This autumn season, we suggest leaning into the maximalist vibes and making the nails look like mini artwork. While summer was about Fruit nails and Pastel colorsIn the autumn of 2025, a new obsession begins: Painted glass of nails. The style gets its name from the glowing, dimensional finish similar to a cathedral window by using colored, layered shades that capture the light in unexpected ways. The effect is basically autumn fashion in nail form.
“Colored glass nails are perfect for the fall as they catch the warm, cozy and moody vibe of the season, while they still feel elevated and artistic,” says nail artist Tracy Lee Percival, which points to jewel tones such as Burgundy, Amber, Emerald and Gold as shades that stick out this time. To learn more about the nail trend, such as how to get the look at home, keep reading.
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Julie Kandalec Is a celebrity nail artist and founder of Masterclass Nail Academy. She is also the PS Council’s member.
Tracy Lee Percival Is a celebrity manicure and entrepreneur.
How to get painted glass nails
This is a nail trend that you probably want to get help from a professional for, but if you are stuck to going the DIY route we have some tips. To achieve the appearance, layer is the key. “The best way to get the effect is to put pure jelly finish gels or polishing over a neutral base on longer, clear nail tips, such as Kiss nails salon full cover nails ($ 6). Keeping them up to the light gives you a really painted glass look, says celebrity manicureist Julie Kandalec. She recommends that you use nice brushes, as Nail art design brush and tool kit ($ 12). For polish we recommend Essies Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish ($ 15) or Ella+Mila’s nail color ($ 10).
Percival adds that drawing of thin “veins” with black polish or metal before filling in the boxes with jewel-tinted shades is what really creates the window pane seal. For the color itself she turns to all colors on Kbshimmer nail polish ($ 12), which offers metal and Irridescent to mimic the glow of really painted glass.
There is no way to carry the look, and frankly, it’s half fun. In front you will find some painted glass variations to try, but no matter how you design it, your nails are guaranteed to be the accessories that all notice this fall.
